This document provides information about course options for students entering Year 10. It outlines the core curriculum of subjects like English, maths, and science. Students can choose from four option subjects in addition to the core. A variety of GCSEs, BTECs, and Cambridge Nationals are available as options. The document explains qualifications and considers factors for students to weigh when selecting their options. Key dates in the options process are also provided.

1. Options for Year 10
2016-2018

2. Options for Year 10
2016-2018

3. The Options Process
Why make choices?

4. The Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Core Curriculum
Science
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

5. Core Curriculum: 30 lessons per fortnight
English
Maths
Core Science
Core PE
Core RE
PSHE
CVS CORE CURRICULUM

6. The Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Core Curriculum
Science
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

7. Non-Core Science – 6 periods
• Double Science GCSE
– Combined Science to make 2 GCSEs
• Triple Science
– 3 separate GCSEs: Biology, Physics and Chemistry
• Students are placed on one of these courses
dependent on their performance in Year 9
Science assessments

8. The Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Core Curriculum
Science
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

9. Options – 24 periods per fortnight
• A range of GCSE, Cambridge National, and
BTEC courses
• Four options
• 6 periods per fortnight in each option

10. Subjects on offer
• Specialising:
Dance, Drama, Geography, History, ICT,
Languages, Music, PE/Sport, RS, Technology
subjects...
• “New” Subjects:
Business Studies, Child Development and
Care, Computer Science, Construction, Media
Studies

11. Qualifications on offer
• New GCSE
– Graded from 9-1
– Available in English and Maths only
• GCSE
– Awarded from A*-G
– Combination of exams and controlled
assessment
• Cambridge National / BTEC
– Awarded Distinction, Merit, or Pass
– “Applied” or work-based learning
– Available in Sport, Business, Construction,
and Social Care

12. The English Baccalaureate
• Represents breadth and strength in academic
achievement
• Awarded to any student gaining A*-C (or 9-5)
in:
– English Language
– Two Sciences (including Computer Science)
– Mathematics
– History or Geography
– A Language

14. Options Pattern
Option A and B
• A Humanities subject,
Computer Science or a
Language:
– Computer Science
– French
– Geography
– German
– History
– Spanish
Options C and D
• Free choice
• Can add a further
Humanities subject or a
Second language
• Can complete the English
Baccalaureate
• Double options – Child
Development and Care /
Construction

15. Options in Insight
Select your options from the choices below:

16. Things to consider
Do consider:
• What do I enjoy?
• What am I good at?
• What to I want to do post-
16?
– Sixth form?
– College?
– Apprenticeship/employment?
• Choose a good range of
subjects
• Read your report carefully
Do not consider:
• Choosing subjects just to be
with friends
• Choosing subjects because
“I like/don’t like the
teacher”
• Choosing subjects “because
you ought to”

17. Important Dates
• Tuesday 5th January: Options Assembly
• Wednesday 6th January: Options Evening
• Thursday 14th January: Subject Evening
• Wednesday 20th January: Final Deadline for
completing options in Insight

18. Sources of advice
• Other parents / friends
• Students in Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form
• Subject Staff
• Tutor
• Head of Year
• Careers Team
• Mr Kenny and the Learning Support team
• Year 9 Options page on school website

19. What now?
• Collect your Option Book
• PUT YOUR NAME ON IT
• Look through the book carefully over the
coming days
• Your parents/carers must bring this book to
the Options Evening on Wednesday